It is unthinkably hard to be one in a million. That is what it takes to get a seat in NASCAR. Many come, many go, and many dreams of glory are just lost in the dark void of unfulfilled potential. Getting a break in NASCAR in itself is such a big privilege, but getting a second shot at glory? You ought to be a really good driver for that. Tony Stewart saw that potential in one such driver, despite the controversy surrounding his name.

He is none other than Noah Gragson. After a tumultuous 2023 rookie season with Legacy Motor Club marred in controversy, Gragson was out of the sport with a revival looking bleak. However, in 2024 he got his chance and so far, he hasn’t disappointed. For this rebirth, Gragson has some emotional words to say to Tony Stewart, who revitalized his career.

“I’m very grateful for Tony”: A heartfelt message by Noah Gragson

After Noah Gragson’s unbelievable run in the 2022 Xfinity Series, one would think this driver was tailor-made for the top tier of NASCAR. And it seemed like it was going to be just that. During his crazy run of 8 wins in the 2022 Xfinity Series, all while running part-time in the Cup Series, he really impressed the bigwigs in NASCAR. The Las Vegas, Nevada native won 13 times in the NASCAR Xfinity Series from 2020 to 2022 and finished second in the Xfinity Series championship in 2022.

To no one’s surprise, he quickly got called up for a ride at Legacy Motor Club by Jimmie Johnson. Things were looking smooth for Gragson’s career from this point onwards until disaster struck when NASCAR and Legacy Motor Club decided to suspend Gragson for “actions that do not represent the values of our team”. This made major headlines at the time. For Gragson, it all came crashing down like a house of cards in moments.

Gragson released a statement as well, saying, “I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media. I understand the severity of this situation. I love and appreciate everyone. I try to treat everyone equally no matter who they are. I messed up plain and simple.”

The road back to racing looked tough for Noah Gragson, but maybe those who said, ‘Lightning doesn’t strike twice’ were wrong. In September 2023, Noah Gragson remained without a seat even after his suspension was lifted. But a hand of God came in the form of Tony Stewart, who offered Gragson a chartered seat for the 2024 season. Gragson was understandably more than elated. “I’m very grateful for Tony [Stewart] and Greg Zipadelli and everybody who has given me this opportunity over at Stewart-Haas,” Gragson confessed emotionally in an interview with RACER.

In the 2024 season, he got a new ride in the No. 10 Ford at Stewart-Haas Racing. Gragson finished the season with a total of seven top-10 finishes and an average finish of 21.6. He was, for a long while, the top racer at SHR, until Chase Briscoe secured a playoff spot in the last race of the season. “It’s a bummer what everyone is going through, but for myself personally, I’m not content and I’m not satisfied with (what we’ve accomplished). But I’m confident to say I feel like I have somewhat earned an opportunity to race on Sundays,” he said.

Unfortunately for Gragson, Stewart-Haas Racing was forced to shut shop at the end of the 2024 season because of financial constraints. SHR announced their decision in May and by July, Gragson had a new seat for 2025 with Front Row Motorsports.

What’s next after redemption? Gragson looks forward

Gragson undoubtedly had a bumpy start at the top tier of NASCAR, facing a suspension mid-season and spending time without a seat. But this time gave Gragson ample opportunity for reflection. After flying high in the Xfinity Series, he experienced a heartbreaking rock bottom in NASCAR. This journey has given him a newfound perspective and invaluable learning. “Thinking back 20 years down the road of where I was at last year and how drastically my life has changed in the last 18 months to 24 months. From being at the highest of highs in Xfinity to the lowest of lows in my rookie season in Cup, and not even finishing that out. But then to get a second opportunity to come back, and really just appreciate the little things,” Gragson told RACER.

For Gragson, the journey has been humbling. “I think my attitude and growth from last year, I’ve seen improvement personally. There is still a long way to go, but I want to keep on growing,” he admitted. This humble but ambitious attitude is what made Tony Stewart believe in him in the first place, and Gragson proved him right. Now he embarks on a journey with Front Row Motorsports as fans await to see what’s in store for his next chapter.

Gragson is optimistic about his future with FRM. “I think a lot of people have seen the growth of Front Row Motorsports over the past several seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series,” said Gragson. “This team, with Ford Performance, has shown it is capable of winning and wants to win more. Meeting Bob (Jenkins) and Jerry (Freeze), there is a determination and plan to continue to grow and compete against the absolute best. There is a strong commitment on their part, and I am ready to give it my best next season.” Earlier this month, Drew Blicksenderfer was announced as Gragson’s crew chief for 2025. ‘Blick’ was his crew chief at SHR and will reunite with the Las Vegas native at FRM.

Many of his fans will be eagerly watching this revamped version of Noah Gragson, who has completely transformed himself from top to bottom. With a heartfelt message of gratitude, he leaves behind a small tribute to the 3x Champion for the opportunity that Stewart provided at the most critical point in his career. This heartfelt confession shows how second chances can transform careers and lives in NASCAR. For fans, it’s a reminder that even in the face of setbacks, resilience can lead to redemption.